8 comments:

It's great to have a helpful neighbor as you do. The fun of having a sharp chain saw in the hands of a skilful user. I would not want to get in Mike's way when he flails away with that maul! I kind of miss splitting wood and heating with it in the winter. Very nice wood stove.

I haven't split wood for over 40 years, but I really used to like the feeling of doing it. Something about the self-sufficiency. It was summer in New Hampshire so I was splitting for the wood stove. Couldn't cook without it.

In our relatively unwooded county, we have to buy ours in from a local tree surgeon and fencing contractor. But there is no finer thing, on a wnter's day, than to set a fire ...and watch the cat stretch out in front of it. Mostly beech with the occasional billet of oak and sycamore.

In a previous job I was responsible for publishing conservation handbooks, so got pretty familiar - in an armchair sort of way - with practical land management techniques. This also covered safety issues. I winced a little at Mike's lack of safety gear. So, I hope you don't mind if I suggest some boots and chaps and chainsaw gloves - and maybe a chainsaw helmet with visor. Also, when he's splitting with a mawl, he should take his gloves off for a more secure grip. Never wear gloves when swingind an edged tool. OK, so now I feel like the kill-joy, but I have done my duty - hope you don't mind.